You have found a sloping floor in your home, and you decide to fix it right away. But you first need to measure the slope of your floor. How is this done?
Measuring a sloping floor can be a complicated task, and it’s imperative to know how to do the job correctly. We’ll explain how to correctly measure your floor slope for your home.
Here are the steps you need to follow…
Know Where to Measure the Level
Knowing where to measure the sloping floor will be the first step to getting a precise and accurate measurement.
- The first thing you want to do when measuring your floor is by bringing your measuring tool to a level position.
- Measure the floor starting from the outward end all the way down to the bottom side of the level.
After this step is complete, you will have the measurements you’ll need to move on to the next step.
Calculate the Length
After acquiring the measurements from the first step, you’ll want to calculate the length of the level next. This takes us back to using the formula to determine slope.
For example, using a level that is 24” with a dimension of 3” from the floor would equate the floor level to 3” in 24”.
To put this simply, this would be a 3” rise over a 24” run. The run is how far left or right the floor is from one end to another.
Calculating the math for this would equal 1 ½” slope per foot. Following this method would apply with your own dimensions to calculate the rise and run of your measurements.
Use the Laser Level Tool to Calculate Your Measurements
Another way to get your measurements is by using the laser level device. You would simply point the device in the direction you would need to calculate the measurements and look at the screen, and it would give you your calculations.
Using the laser level is a lot simpler for those who want to gather their measurements quickly. The accuracy and precision of this device are more exact than they would be for conventional measuring devices. Even though the conventional measuring devices are still useful, using a laser level would be more convenient in terms of measuring the floor from a more simple perspective.
One of the best benefits of using a laser level is that many of them are self-leveling. This can save you time and help you gather your measurements quicker for any floor type.
Consider Using a Bubble Level
For those of you who may need to measure a floor type that is either horizontal or vertical, using a bubble level (aka spirit level) will get you the measurements you need. After placing it on the floor, follow the steps below:
- Make a mark at the end of the level.
- On the side of the level, make another mark in the center under the vial
- Read the position of the bubble
- Rotate to 180 degrees from one end to another and align them up with the marks
- Collect your readings
The best way to know if the readings are accurate is by looking at where the bubble is placed. If the bubble is in the same position after conducting a second reading, this means that the readings are correct.
From this point forward, it’s all about taking the measurements you have gathered to work on fixing your floor.
What Can Cause Sloping Floors?
The best way to fully understand how to measure and fix your floor slope is by figuring out how it was caused. Here is a list of some of the ways that your floor can slope in your home:
- It can slope depending on the age of your home.
- It can have poor drainage.
- It can be experiencing foundation problems (i.e., cracks or separation).
- Your floor can have holes and alterations.
- It can slope due to the aging of the wood.
- Deficiencies that were caused during construction.
- The floor can be damaged or missing support posts.
- By continuing house settlement.
It is also recommended to contact a professional who works with foundation repairs to get an accurate answer to find out what caused your floor to slope. Discovering the source of the problem can narrow down the options on how to properly fix and treat your floor.
Foundation Damage
The most common cause of sloping floors is foundation damage. The best way to fix sloping floors through foundation damage is by jacking the house up and installing supports. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks to jack up a house. However, it is the best way to fix your floor under these circumstances.
Time to Take on the Task
Before you begin measuring your floor, you need to use the formula for slope to collect your measurements. You also need to have the right tools, and the measurements you gather need to be exact. Once you have determined the slope you will be able to make an educated decision on how to repair it.
